Basic burial costs in South Lanarkshire have rocketed by more than 150 per cent in the last seven years, according to latest figures.

The statistics obtained by the BBC through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request show that South Lanarkshire’s internment cost went from £335 in 2010/11 to £842 in 2017/18 – a jump of 151 per cent.

It was the third highest out of the 30 local authorities who responded to the FOI request.

Neighbouring North Lanarkshire came fifth with a 132 per cent increase going from £364 to £845.

But South Lanarkshire Council say there has been no rise since 2015 and that more than £1million has been invested in cemeteries since 2014.

A recent Citizens Advice Scotland review said of the 55,000 funerals taking place in Scotland each year 10 per cent of families struggle to pay the bill, with the average cost of a funeral £3600.

Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities, waste and grounds services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “Burial costs were increased between 2010 and 2015 in South Lanarkshire, with no increases in charges since then.

“These increases enabled necessary investment to be made in the cemeteries service including extension to cemeteries and improvements in the general infrastructure throughout South Lanarkshire.

“In all, more than £1,040,000 has been invested since 2014, while a further £2 million is earmarked for investment in the next two years to allow the council to continue to provide new lairs in cemeteries across the authority.”

Mr McKinnon added: “The council will provide assistance where people cannot afford to pay for the service by arranging a Public Health Funeral, and will arrange a service at their cost when there are insufficient finances within the estate to fund one and where there are no family or friends to make the arrangements.

“Where the family want to arrange the funeral but cannot afford to pay for it, help is available from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), who can pay a funeral payment to qualifying applicants such as a partner, close relative or friend of the deceased if they are on qualifying benefits or tax credits.”

According to the figures the basic cost of a burial in Scotland has risen on average by 77 per cent since 2010 and the average debt incurred to meet costs is £1680.

Local government body COSLA said fees were based on “need and circumstance”.

A spokesman said: “Local authorities understand that bereavement is a stressful time for families, and are committed to making costs as affordable and transparent as possible.

“Fees and charges for any local government services are a matter for local determination based on need and circumstance.

“COSLA fully recognises that this is a sensitive issue and would be happy to work with the Scottish Government and those in the funeral business to consider whether any general guidance around the issue may be useful.”

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said: “In the pain of immediate loss, the last thing grieving relatives need is the worry of funeral costs for their loved one. Whilst burial fees in South Lanarkshire rose by only three percent, or the rate of inflation, in the past year, it is regrettable that there has been such a marked increase in the preceding years.

“The death of a loved one is an incredibly difficult time for anyone. It can be even harder when money is tight. We know funeral costs can push people into poverty – and often it is those already in financial hardship who face increased difficulties.

“That is why the Scottish Government are taking decisive action to tackle this growing issue and have engaged with local authorities, the funeral sector and other support services to find solutions that support more affordable funerals. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting those who need it most following a bereavement, which is why we will introduce a new Funeral Expense Assistance from summer 2019.”